Meantime, the highway's northbound lane was closed for about a half-hour before reopening about 8:10 a.m., Natale said.

Among motorists passing through that area about 7:50 a.m. was Lt. Bill Davis, spokesman for the Bossier sheriff's office, who said the resulting traffic backup proved to be a double whammy with the ongoing detour in that area.

Traffic on Caplis-Sligo Road has increased five- to eightfold since it became the detour around the closed Red Chute bridge on Sligo Road, according to an update the sheriff's office posted Sept. 29 on its Facebook page.

"We understand the detour is frustrating," the post reads. "The contract for the bridge replacement on Sligo has been awarded to James Construction Group in Baton Rouge, and La. DOTD officials say the work should begin soon, which is expected to take up to 250 days, weather permitting."

The update, which includes video of the railroad crossing on Caplis-Sligo Road at Highway 71, also notes that Kansas City Southern has removed the stop signs and installed railroad crossing arms at that location.

The sheriff's office advises motorists to continue to use caution while driving across the tracks and to never stop on the tracks. "Motorists should also remember to stop at the sign at Highway 71 as you head west on Caplis-Sligo," the post says.

And the sheriff's office reports that it has received numerous complaints about speeders on Caplis-Sligo Road over the past few months. "Deputies encourage residents to slow it down."